FQHC facility that provides crucial low-cost services
dedicated in honor of Middlesex County Commissioner Director
CARTERET, NJ – The Ronald G. Rios Central Jersey Medical Center at Carteret h
as been dedicated in honor of Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, who has been a resident of the Borough for over 50 years. The West Carteret health care facility was dedicated to the Commissioner Director on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 with a grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
A longtime service provider in Central New Jersey, the comprehensive, yet affordable Central Jersey Medical Center recently expanded to Carteret this year.
“Director Rios’ accomplishments reflect a lifelong dedication to improving the quality of life for all people through effective, efficient and dedicated public service,” Mayor Daniel J. Reiman said. “Central Jersey Medical Center’s expansion into Carteret displays a desire to help as many in our region as possible.”
Originally established as the Jewish Renaissance Medical Center, the federally qualified health center opened in Perth Amboy in 2001.
Founding Executive Director Jack O’Leary said he was excited about dedicating the satellite medical center to Director Rios because he’s an outstanding leader.
“That’s what you need in government today,” O’Leary said, “someone who understands the people who he serves. That’s one thing I can say about Ronnie: he’s a good listener, and he gets things done.”
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin added, “It is truly fitting to have a place named after him while he’s still here to be celebrated and hear all of the things that we all have to say. Ron makes a difference. This building and the services it provides will make a difference. I look forward to all the things that CJMC does.”
In a letter read by Mayor Reiman, Senate President Nicholas Scutari said he was grateful for Director Rios’ “tireless commitment to this project and the vision you brought to make this a reality here in Carteret for the residents of Middlesex County. I have no doubt that this new medical center will provide much-needed access to health care for your residents and help ensure your community is better equipped to meet its medical needs. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to the people of Carteret, Middlesex County and the State of New Jersey.”
Director Rios has served on the Middlesex County Board of Commissioners since 2008. He was appointed Commissioner Director in 2013.
Prior to that tenure, Director Rios served for many years on the Carteret Borough Council, including as Council President from 2003 to 2008. He also worked for more than 30 years for Conrail, during which time, he held many offices for the Oak Island Local 6965 Transportation Communications International Union AFL-CIO, including as president for 10 years from 1993 to 2003.
“To the board of directors of the Central Jersey Medical Center and the Jewish Renaissance Foundation for this dedication of this brand new state-of-the-art medical center in my beloved hometown of Carteret, I’m truly humbled by this honor,” Director Rios said. “If you told me 50 years ago when I first moved to Carteret, there would be a medical center or any building for that matter dedicated in my name, I’d say you’re trying to pull a fast one on me, and you’re crazy. Today is a dream that my parents could never have imagined for the Rios family name when they moved here from Puerto Rico. It’s a dream that I couldn’t conceive as a blue-collar worker all of my life and a public servant on the Carteret Borough Council for many years and for the past 16 years on the Board of County Commissioners, a job I dearly love.”
Central Jersey Medical Center’s services are vast ranging from primary health to dental to preventive services.
As a federally qualified health center, CJMC opens its doors to everyone who is need of medical care whether they can afford it or not, O’Leary said.
“That’s the truth of a federally qualified health center,” he said. “We don’t turn people away. We make sure that they’re being taken care of on a medical basis. We consider ourselves a medical home where people not only come here when they’re sick but are receiving the care that keeps them healthy each and every year.”
In addition to the speakers, dignitaries at the dedication ceremony included councilmen Vincent Bellino, AJ Johal, Jorge Diaz, and Randy Krum, Middlesex County Democratic Chairman Kevin McCabe, County Clerk Nancy Pinkin, County Surrogate Claribel Cortes, and South Amboy Councilwoman Zusette Dato.
Updates will be available at Carteret.net or by following @MyCarteret on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
